With The Cap’ns Away, Youth Should Be Paid

‘The onus lies on Regier to lock up his younger folk to the those lengthier deals. Throw five- to- seven years and a little more money than hes worth right now at 28 year old Brian Campbell and toss him a letter, ‘A’ or ‘C’ will work, for his jersey. Lock up 23 year-old Thomas Vanek for a good term, and give him Ilya Kovalchuk money — $5 million — a little early with the understanding that he won’t be unhappy when he’s worth $7 million in two years. What this does has multiple benefits: besides having younger players locked in as potential leaders long-term, it indicates to other players like Ryan Miller, Jason Pominville and Drew Stafford that the team isn’t scared of commitment.’